IT has been greatly discussed, reported, and concluded that the KK Mart convenience store chain screwed up big time with Malay Muslims when white socks knitted with an offensive design found their way onto its shelves.
It is a conclusion that requires no further debate.
The anger is real and unanimous, and yet the manner in which Malay Muslims react is varied, reflective of how broad and wide-ranging the community is.
The so-called chattering class of the “Bangsar Bubble” Malay Muslims would probably suggest to live and let live, the store owner had profusely apologised and expressed extreme regret.
For others, letting go is not easy, as it would mean tolerating abuses of their religion that could lead to more in the future.
Some others would see this incident as yet another nefarious effort to undermine their religion and race.
In some Muslim countries, such an incident could have sparked mass protests, riots, violence, and even the loss of lives.
There are a couple of examples, such as riots following the publication of Salman Rusdie’s Satanic Verses in the 1980s, in which there was a blasphemous artistic interpretation of Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), or recently with the French magazine Charlie Hebdo’s caricature of the prophet.
What is it with Muslims and their overt sensitivity to any slights about Islam?
The foundation of Muslims’ faith includes their belief in God or Allah, Prophet Muhammmad (pbuh), and the revelations of the Quran. They are to be revered and not subjected to ridicule or contempt.
Many believe it is also an obligation or duty to protect and defend them, especially from non-believers who could be agents to test their aqidah or faith.
On the KK Mart fiasco, there were many Malay Muslims who could not believe it was an honest error. Even if it was true, it would take some effort to convince them.
They suggested a series of events. From designing the socks, getting them approved, all the way to manufacturing and packing at the factory – and at KK Mart, there would have been product reviews, market previews, purchase orders and displays, and such that should have raised the red flag at some point. There could probably be more than a dozen steps along the way.
For instance, it was pointed out that it would take weeks if not months, and some procedural perseverance to get through KK Mart’s bureaucratic red tape to get a bottle of soy sauce stacked onto its shelves.
Yet, socks – to be put on feet, to be stepped on, to be dirtied and thrown around – would be a bad thing.
Did KK Mart see the Malay Muslims only as consumers, lacking the nouse to see beyond that?
Was there anyone within the series of events who could see something amiss?
Non-Muslims, while acknowledging the offence, may scratch their heads at the reactions of some Muslims. This opinion is shared by some Muslims, too, I must add.
“Why the overreaction?”
“Enough already.”
“The KK Mart guy is almost on his knees, begging for forgiveness.”
“Have socks become an existential threat to our country’s well-being?”
Alas, this is yet an attempt to be rational and explain away the problem when this is an emotional issue.
You cannot explain away how people feel, nor can you dismiss it. Feelings are real.
I may be guessing and be wrong at that, too, but I sense many of those angry at KK Mart could be conflating other issues seen as affronts to Malay-Muslim sensitivities.
Perhaps the proposal to make bak kut teh a heritage dish, or the proposal to make Chinese villages into world cultural sites, or the rejection of Kelantan shariah amendments as unconstitutional, had coloured the landscape a bit before the KK Mart had socked it to them – pun intended – with yet another.
If that is the case, then, of course, this has added a political component to the mix.
Admittedly, as the sock fiasco extends beyond the religious outrage, there are a lot of political points to be picked up.
It is wrong to dismiss this anger or the call for the boycott of KK Mart as something to be associated with the fringes or opportunistic politicians. The offence runs deep in many Muslims.
The call for boycott, I suppose, is perhaps an emotional reaction to soothe the hurt. Even if one is helpless and cannot garner the will or the courage to do more, the act of looking away and voting with one’s feet is the least one can do.
Just like how Starbucks’ revenue here was affected by the boycott over the US franchise-holder’s support for Israel over the invasion of Gaza, I see this boycott will likely hurt KK Mart.
This is, of course, a shame, as it is locally grown with over 600 stores and has a grand plan to compete with foreign brands.
Obviously, it needs now to win over an angry crowd with something more than just contrition.
For the government, it requires a balancing act between calming the angry mob and acknowledging their anger, and yet at the same time making sure that businesses get the support they need.
It must be seen to be an honest broker as politics swirls around the issue.
For lack of a better word, there must be closure for those boycotting, with some promise or assurance from KK Mart that they can hang their hats on.
It must show that it has indeed learned its lesson, and I am guessing that the road could be long and hard. – March 25, 2024
Datuk Zainul Arifin is chief executive officer of Big Boom Media which publishes Scoop